For the first time in Australia, Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has supported the testing of an Advanced High Frequency Communications Technology (AHFT) in a live environment – a breakthrough that promises faster, more versatile communications for Defence personnel.
The Tri-Service trials, which were conducted in Northern Australia, mark an important step forward in the ongoing delivery of resilient, adaptable communications solutions that enhances operational effectiveness.
The AHFT allows communications traffic to be sent over HF frequencies without the need for the end user to reply. AHFT testing is a key technological step on the path to enabling military personnel to use familiar applications over Australia’s Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS), providing a more advanced digital mode of radio communication.
Babcock Communications Operators also provided operational support during the trials from the Babcock-managed DHFCS Network Management Facility.
As the Commonwealth’s industry partner, Babcock is leading the operation, management, and maintenance of the existing DHFCS capability, while delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade to four DHFCS Communications Nodes across Australia as part of the Joint Project 9101 Phase 01 (JP9101) program. Babcock engages 71 Small-to-Medium Enterprises on its JP9101 contract, directly supporting local suppliers in several regional locations.
Support to these demonstrations reflect Babcock’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative communications solutions that enhance interoperability and operational readiness across Australia’s Defence Force.
Babcock Australasia Managing Director Mission and Support Systems Richard Udall said:
“Having multiple ways for Defence personnel to communicate to one another enhances communications resilience in a threat environment.”
“Its addition not only broadens Defence capability but demonstrates Babcock’s potential to incorporate new technologies into the existing system.”
“We pride ourselves in being operationally flexible and able to adapt to emerging requirements, while providing critical mission support to our Defence partners. This type of technology plays an important role in increasing strategic communications capability for Australia Defence Force.”